Cryptic sump

[SpSDrew]

I plan to add a black cryptic sump (~30 gallons) to my soon to be larger system. The system will be an existing display (90g) tired to an upgrading frag tank (160g). They will share a sump that is a 60 breeder.

Ideally I would like to keep this cryptic sump somewhat clean of detritus so what is the thought about plumbing the UV return line into this cryptic sump and then back into the main sump? The UV will be powered by a separate pump right after the filter socks. The 40 w UV pump would be running around 400-500 gph.

 

[TokenReefer]

Do you mean to promote an area for cryptic sponges to thrive?

 

[SpSDrew]

Yes, sorry. This sump would be filled with Florida liverock

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

I plan to add a black cryptic sump (~30 gallons) to my soon to be larger system. The system will be an existing display (90g) tired to an upgrading frag tank (160g). They will share a sump that is a 60 breeder.

Ideally I would like to keep this cryptic sump somewhat clean of detritus so what is the thought about plumbing the UV return line into this cryptic sump and then back into the main sump? The UV will be powered by a separate pump right after the filter socks. The 40 w UV pump would be running around 400-500 gph.

I don't think that UV itself will remove/reduce detritus...

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

Yes, sorry. This sump would be filled with Florida liverock

So, Florida live rock is going into a lightless "tank"? Are you getting base rock (bacteria) or premium?

 

[SpSDrew]

I don't think that UV itself will remove/reduce detritus...

The UV pump is after the filter socks so ideally the water going through the UV would be clean

 

[TokenReefer]

Yes, sorry. This sump would be filled with Florida liverock

I just added an area to my sump and I'm very much interested in setting it up for cryptic sponges (filtration) so I'll be following. Do you have any plans yet to specifically acquire sponge or just let it happen?

 

[SpSDrew]

So, Florida live rock is going into a lightless "tank"? Are you getting base rock (bacteria) or premium?

Premium liverock. I also have existing live rock in my current frag tank that would be moved over.

 

[SpSDrew]

I just added an area to my sump and I'm very much interested in setting it up for cryptic sponges (filtration) so I'll be following. Do you have any plans yet to specifically acquire sponge or just let it happen?

The live rock I already have is covered in them. Its currently under my black acrylic frag tacks which is pretty dark. If I end up with room I would like to do 2 "liverock" bins. one dark (sponges) and one light (macroalgae)

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

The UV pump is after the filter socks so ideally the water going through the UV would be clean

So what is the purpose of plumbing the UV before the new chamber? If it's just a matter of utilizing an existing pump for flow into the chamber, then I don't see why it would hurt...

 

[SpSDrew]

So what is the purpose of plumbing the UV before the new chamber? If it's just a matter of utilizing an existing pump for flow into the chamber, then I don't see why it would hurt...

Yeah pretty much only reason. The pump would drive the UV and water to the cryptic sump. I could also T off a return line and back into the sump as well.

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

Premium liverock. I also have existing live rock in my current frag tank that would be moved over.

Honestly, I wouldn't spend the extra $ on premium if you plan to put it all in the dark tank/chamber... Premium generally has coral, etc that's photosynthetic.

(Sorry, I know you didn't ask for an opinion about the rock... Just my 2c)

 

[SpSDrew]

I did go on ahead and order 35lbs of Gulf Liverock. Ended up being a little over $300 shipped overnight. I’ve ordered from them before and the rock is always filled with corals, sponges, etc.

I will be going to the local plastic warehouse to get some tubs to put the rock in tomorrow. Ideally one black tub and maybe one white tub to house the liverock. Get a good cryptic zone and good refugium with macro algae.

 

[Timfish]

You're going to get detritus build up even with a good filtersock or some other mechanical filtration. One of the observations that caught Jasper de Goeij's attention and resulted in his groundbreaking research on cryptic sponges was the detritus that collected around them. This detritus is carbon and nitrogen rich and can be quickly taken up into the food webs in reef systems. Detritus is also an essential part of the carbonate cycle in reef systems. So I wouldn't put much effort in trying to prevent it from occuring but instead just periodicly siphon out some when it build up.

 

[SpSDrew]

More liverock form KP Aquatics. Shipped in full water and came with some pistol shrimp, plenty of starfish, and I’m sure a bunch of other creatures that can live in the sump.

 

[SpSDrew]

Also ordered 15lbs of Australian liverock. Should give me a good biodiversity load.

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

Also ordered 15lbs of Australian liverock. Should give me a good biodiversity load.

Pics when you get it, please

 

[SpSDrew]

Pics when you get it, please

Will do. Arriving next Wednesday from Unique Corals.

 

[Garf]

Will do. Arriving next Wednesday from Unique Corals.

Hope it goes well. I had a 150 gallon cryptic tank on a previous system for a few years. All it grew was transparent Aiptasia and tubeworms. I did it on the cheap however and used limestone. Had more sponge growth in the display, but that did have some liverock. Don’t know why the sponge growth didn’t transfer over. That experiment was cut short because the end fell out of my display tank and I transferred everything to the cryptic and turned that into the display, which was handy.

 

[SpSDrew]

Hope it goes well. I had a 150 gallon cryptic tank on a previous system for a few years. All it grew was transparent Aiptasia and tubeworms. I did it on the cheap however and used limestone. Had more sponge growth in the display, but that did have some liverock. Don’t know why the sponge growth didn’t transfer over. That experiment was cut short because the end fell out of my display tank and I transferred everything to the cryptic and turned that into the display, which was handy.

Im probably going overboard with premium rock but I’m still debating doing 2 addition sumps. One dark and one lite with a refugium light. Just trying to get the best microfauna and biodiversity for a healthy system.
My display has tons of sponges and was always a good sign to me of a healthy tank. I felt like my acros never did thrive well until my tank was mature and full of sponges and life.